For many power users, the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra was the pinnacle of productivity-focused smartphones—a device that combined a vibrant display, robust performance, and the unmatched utility of the S Pen. Now, with the Galaxy S23 Ultra in the spotlight, former Note owners are asking: is this phone truly worth the upgrade? After all, both devices share a similar design language, high-end specs, and stylus integration. But beneath the surface, the differences matter—especially if you rely on your phone for work, creativity, or photography.
This isn’t just about newer hardware; it’s about whether those upgrades translate into meaningful improvements in daily use. Let’s dissect the evolution from the Note 20 Ultra to the S23 Ultra across key areas: performance, camera system, S Pen functionality, battery life, and long-term value.
Performance: A Generational Leap in Speed and Efficiency
The Note 20 Ultra launched with the Exynos 990 (in most regions) or Snapdragon 865+ (in select markets), both of which were already pushing limits at launch. The S23 Ultra, by contrast, runs on the custom Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy—an exclusive chipset tuned specifically for Samsung with superior CPU, GPU, and AI performance.
Benchmarks tell part of the story: the S23 Ultra delivers up to 40% faster CPU performance and nearly 50% better graphics rendering. But real-world usage reveals even more. Multitasking between DeX mode, Samsung Notes, and heavy editing apps feels noticeably smoother. Apps launch quicker, background processes are handled more efficiently, and thermal throttling is significantly reduced thanks to improved cooling architecture.
Camera System: From Great to Industry-Leading
The Note 20 Ultra featured a capable 108MP main sensor, dual telephoto lenses (5x optical zoom), and strong low-light performance. However, the S23 Ultra redefines mobile photography with its upgraded 200MP wide sensor—the highest resolution on any mainstream smartphone. More than just a number, this sensor uses pixel-binning technology to produce incredibly detailed 16MP images with superior dynamic range and color accuracy.
Zoom capabilities have also improved dramatically. While both phones offer 5x periscope zoom, the S23 Ultra extends usable zoom to 10x optical-quality shots and supports up to 100x digital zoom with much better stabilization and clarity. Nightography—the term Samsung uses for low-light imaging—has seen major enhancements thanks to larger pixels, longer exposure algorithms, and AI-powered noise reduction.
“Mobile photography isn’t just about megapixels anymore—it’s about computational intelligence. The S23 Ultra sets a new benchmark for consistency across lighting conditions.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at DXOMARK
S Pen Evolution: Subtle but Meaningful Upgrades
One of the biggest concerns for Note loyalists is whether the S Pen experience has regressed now that the Note line has been folded into the S series. The answer: not only has it not regressed, it’s evolved.
The S Pen in the S23 Ultra retains the same 2.8ms latency that made the Note 20 Ultra’s stylus so precise. However, Samsung added remote command functionality—allowing users to take photos, control video playback, or advance presentations without touching the phone. This feature alone adds tangible value for professionals using the device in meetings or creative sessions.
Additionally, the embedded software optimizations make handwriting-to-text conversion faster and more accurate. Real-time translation during note-taking, shape recognition, and improved palm rejection enhance productivity, especially when paired with Samsung Notes or third-party apps like Noteshelf.
Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency Over Raw Capacity
The Note 20 Ultra came with a 4,500mAh battery, while the S23 Ultra packs a slightly larger 5,000mAh unit. But the real improvement lies in efficiency. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is built on a more advanced 4nm process, consuming less power under load. Combined with adaptive refresh rate tech (1–120Hz LTPO), this translates to an average gain of 2–3 hours of screen-on time.
In practical terms, users report going from “just making it through the day” on the Note 20 Ultra to “ending the day with 30% left” on the S23 Ultra—even with heavier camera and multitasking usage.
| Feature | Note 20 Ultra | S23 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 4,500 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Charging Speed | 25W Wired / 15W Wireless | 45W Wired / 15W Wireless |
| Average Screen-On Time | 7–8 hours | 9–11 hours |
| Fast Charge (0–50%) | ~30 minutes | ~26 minutes |
Real-World Example: A Creative Professional's Upgrade Journey
Take Sarah Lin, a freelance architect who used her Note 20 Ultra for site sketches, client presentations, and photo documentation. After two years, she noticed lag when exporting large PDFs and frustration with blurry night shots during evening walkthroughs.
When she upgraded to the S23 Ultra, the change was immediate. Her blueprints loaded 40% faster in AutoCAD, and the higher-resolution camera captured fine structural details she previously missed. The ability to trigger her camera remotely with the S Pen simplified solo site visits. Most importantly, the extended battery life meant she no longer carried a power bank on full-day inspections.
“It wasn’t one big thing,” she said. “It was everything working just a little better—consistently.”
Should You Upgrade? A Practical Checklist
Deciding whether to upgrade depends on your usage patterns and expectations. Use this checklist to evaluate your needs:
- ✅ Are you still satisfied with your Note 20 Ultra’s performance in everyday tasks?
- ✅ Do you regularly push your phone with multitasking, gaming, or professional apps?
- ✅ Is camera quality—especially zoom and low-light—a priority?
- ✅ Do you rely heavily on the S Pen for work or creativity?
- ✅ Are you experiencing battery degradation or slow charging?
- ✅ Have you maxed out storage and lack expandable options?
If three or more of these apply—and especially if you're noticing slowdowns or limitations—the S23 Ultra represents a justified upgrade. For casual users still getting solid performance, waiting another cycle may be wiser.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Note 20 Ultra S Pen with the S23 Ultra?
No. While both pens are physically compatible, Samsung disabled cross-device S Pen support starting with the S22 Ultra. Only S Pen models designed for S-series Ultra phones work fully with the S23 Ultra.
Does the S23 Ultra support expandable storage like the Note 20 Ultra?
No. Samsung removed the microSD card slot beginning with the S21 series. The S23 Ultra does not support external storage, so consider cloud backups or USB-C drives for extra space.
Is the display significantly better on the S23 Ultra?
Yes. While both have 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with 120Hz refresh rates, the S23 Ultra features improved peak brightness (up to 1,750 nits vs. 1,500), better outdoor visibility, and enhanced Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for durability.
Final Verdict: Who Benefits Most From the Upgrade?
The Samsung S23 Ultra isn’t merely a successor to the Note 20 Ultra—it’s a refinement of everything the Note stood for, now integrated into Samsung’s flagship S series. For users who depend on speed, precision, and photographic excellence, the upgrade delivers tangible benefits.
However, if your Note 20 Ultra still meets your needs and shows no signs of wear, the jump might feel incremental rather than revolutionary. But for creatives, business professionals, and mobile photographers, the combination of superior processing, best-in-class zoom, refined S Pen controls, and longer-lasting battery makes the S23 Ultra not just worth considering—but worth investing in.
浙公网安备
33010002000092号
浙B2-20120091-4
Comments
No comments yet. Why don't you start the discussion?